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Friday 31 May 2024

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 10 — “Life, Itself” — A Review

30th May, 2024: the Introduction.



It’s official: it’s Thursday.

And … ?

Frankly, today is the day … where the last episode of Star Trek Discovery is broadcast.

Aired?

Streamed?

Whatever!

At any rate, I — and a few Jammie Dodgers — going to be watching that episode.

Then telling you about it, and the series it closes, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st May 2024.

31st May, 2024.


It’s Friday!

Which means … I’m going to be finishing a review of Star Trek Discovery’s last ever episode, tonight.

So … ?

I’ll have it added to my list of series five reviews, later.


Feel free to leave a comment!

~≈Ω≈~

You probably know there’s a general election due to take place in the UK: on 4th July of this year.

You’re possibly also aware that — if you have a criminal record — you’re generally not allowed to stand as a Member of Parliament.

I get the impression that similar restrictions apply in other countries.

Bar one.

The USA.

It’s something I found out, this morning: when news reached the UK, that Donald Trump had been convicted of various charges related to hush-money payments to a porn actress called Stormy Daniels.

As far as I can tell?

The USA is the only country on the planet where a convicted criminal, someone who’s shown themselves happy to break laws, can stand for office.

And — potentially — break laws in whilst in office.

You couldn’t make it up!

~≈Ω≈~

Thursday 30 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-4-2024 — International Potato Day

30th May, 2024: International Potato Day.


It’s Thursday.

You’d noticed, hadn’t you?

And, frankly?

I’ve just looked out of my window: and found it’s not raining … 

Yet!

Let’s hope it stays that way: I’d hate to get drenched, heading for the shops!

~≈¥≈~

Wednesday 29 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th May, 2024.

29th May, 2024.


Right … it’s now Wednesday!

Which means … ?

Well: it means I was looking after my nephew, last night.

He’s fine.

But?

Bobby the Cat spent a good ten minutes licking my ears.

That cat’s a funny fella!


~≈🐈≈~

Tuesday 28 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-5-2024 — The World Series of Poker

28th May, 2024: the World Series of Poker.


It’s Tuesday.

It’s therefore Yay Day.

If you’re in the mood to leap out on someone and go “Yay!”

I’m not.

I’d end up with someone giving me a funny look!

~≈Ü≈~

Oh, just as an entertaining thought … ?

Apparently, the Wu-Tang Clan have released the world’s rarest album: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.

There’s only one copy.

And?

That copy’s going on display — at a museum in Tasmania — soon.

Personally?

I know for a fact it’s not the only ‘rarest album’

It shares that distinction with Jarre’s Music for Supermarkets*.

Heigh-ho!

~≈Ü≈~

Monday 27 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-5-2024 — Christopher Lee

27th May, 2024: Sir Christopher Lee.


Right … it’s Bank Holiday Monday … !

Which means … ?

Not a lot: bar — possibly — enjoying the sunshine.

If there is any!

Heigh-ho!

~≈Ç≈~

At any rate?

There’s election news.

Isn’t there always?

Seemingly?

The Tories have announced they’re planning to re-introduce National Service, if they’re re-elected.

Although they won’t make people do military service.

Which I always understood was the point.

At any rate?   Should it be implemented, making joining the military voluntary is possibly the best way to go.

From the little I’ve understood, standard UK military doctrine is to only accept people who volunteer to join.

They’re felt to be better motivated.

~≈Ç≈~

Just to keep things balanced?

Labour has announced that it plans to lower the voting age, should it win the election: from 18, to 16.

I like the idea.

But … ?

I still think it;
  • Should’ve been introduced, years ago.
  • Been introduced in the Brexit Referendum.
That could’ve made all the difference!

~≈Ç≈~

Sunday 26 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-5-2024 — Guyana

26th May, 2024: Guyana.


Right … it’s Sunday … 

And … ?

I’m as tired as a reviewer could be, after a late night!


I can only hope that review’s worth the effort!

~≈¥≈~

Saturday 25 May 2024

Doctor Who — Series 14/Season 4 - Episode 4 — “73 Yards” — A Review

25th May, 2024: the announcement.


Right then … 

It’s officially Saturday.

Which means that, tonight … ?

I’m going to be watching Dr Who’s next episode — “73 Yards” — then … ?

Telling you what I thought.

I’ll catch you later!

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-5-2024 — Three Little Pigs

25th May, 2024: Three Little Pigs.


It’s Saturday … 

It’s officially Saturday.

And, frankly?

That means I’m going to be watching “73 Yards”, the next episode of Doctor Who, tonight.


It sounds interesting!

~≈📏≈~

I’m assuming you keep your eyes on the news?

If you do, you probably remember the Uvalde school shooting, a couple of years ago: the shooting where police officers on the scene didn’t do anything to stop the shooter for around an hour after getting to the site.

I can’t imagine the parents of children killed that day feeling good about that.

Neither can they, I think.

It seems, though, that the families are to sue;
  • Meta, the owners of Instagram.
  • Activision, makers of the game, Call of Duty.
  • Rifle makers, Daniel Defense.
They hold all three companies responsible, in part, for the actions of the shooter.

And — according to the BBC News report on the matter — for grooming the shooter, and others like him, into thinking a gun was a good solution to a problem.

I don’t know if that would work, though.

I seem to recall that the British press made a huge fuss — in the days and weeks following the Hungerford Massacre — and blamed the shooter’s actions on the film, First Blood: citing it as a motivating factor in the shooters actions.

Despite any evidence or investigation to prove that.

I know similar claims were made about Dungeons and Dragons, at around the same time: again, with little evidence or investigation.

The Hungerford Massacre victims did not sue: I suspect because they had no legal grounds to do so.

I wish the Ulvade families well with their case.

But?

However laudable the attempt, I don’t think the case will prove successful.

~≈🐉≈~

Friday 24 May 2024

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 9 — “Lagrange Points” — A Review

23rd May, 2024: an announcement.



Right … Whilst dinner’s doing … ?

I’m going to do my usual thing.

Stare off, mournfully, into the middle distance … before I remind you that it’s Thursday.

Which means I’m going to be watching Star Trek Discovery’s latest episode, “Lagrange Points”, tonight.

Then … ?

Telling you about it, tomorrow night!

I’ll see you then.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th May, 2024.

24th May, 2024.


It’s officially official: it’s officially Friday!


Yay … 

Possibly … !

At any rate?

It means I’ve got to pay my utility bills … and then pick up some interdental brushes.

I forgot those, yesterday!

~≈🪥≈~

I’ve got to confess, there’s a general election due: on 4th July, 2024.

And?

I’m thinking I have two choices about where to cast my vote.

Last time?

I went for the Greens: even though I had my doubts about their figures.

And their ignorance about what benefits people get.

They wanted to replace Housing Benefit: seemingly ignorant of the fact that those of us on Universal Credit don’t receive it: it’s, effectively, been replaced already.

If they can replace that?   I could happily vote for them.

If not?

I’d have to think about spoiling my vote, again.

Bar that, or leaving my ballot unmarked, or not voting at all?

I, and others who wish to abstain, have no other choice.

~≈✘≈~

Thursday 23 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-5-2024 — World Turtle Day

23rd May, 2024: World Turtle Day.


It’s officially official: it’s Thursday … !

Which means the news has got out.

Yes: we’re due an election on 4th July.

Frankly?

I’m going to wait until the Greens put out a manifesto, and announce if they’re standing in my area.

Before I decide whether to vote for them … or spoil my vote.

~≈🗳️≈~

On a personal front?

I’ve had some news.

I’ve not been contacted by Clarion — my landlords — about any possible refunds on last years service charges.

So?

I contacted them on Tuesday.

Apparently?

The process should take a week … once they get to it.

They couldn’t tell me when that would be.

Not something I’m happy about: and something I intend to keep pestering them about: until I know one way or the other.

The good bit of news I got yesterday?

I put in for a grant to help pay my council tax, a few weeks ago.

It finally went through, yesterday.

That’s a big help: it, effectively, means I have an extra few quid every month.

~≈£≈~

Wednesday 22 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd May 2024.

22nd May, 2024.



Yes: it’s Wednesday!

Which means nothing, as far as I’m concerned … 

Beyond the fact it’s:
  • The day I’m expecting my nephew to visit.
  • The day before payday.
  • The day before the next episode of Star Trek Discovery.

So that’s a few things to look forward to.

~≈Ö≈~

Tuesday 21 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-5-2024 — International Tea Day.

21st May, 2024.


Right then … it’s Tuesday!

And, frankly?

I’ve got I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue on in the background.

Where Tony Hawks has just murdered the Communards version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way”.

Dearie, dearie me … !

~≈¥≈~

Can I admit to being in something of a doomy mood, today?

I’ve had mental images of nuclear war going through my head: not helped by having the Annihilation mix of “Two Tribes” on in the background.


I have to say, after seeing Threads?

The Patrick Allen speeches are no longer the funny Mickey-take I thought they were in the 1980s.

They’re terrifying*.

~≈¥≈~

Monday 20 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-5-2024 — World Bee Day

20th May, 2024: World Bee Day.


It’s officially official!

It’s Monday!

Yay!

Or possibly, ‘Yay’.

My weight management class is today: hopefully, I’ll’ve lost weight.

~≈Ó≈~

I know not everyone has access to the BBC’s iPlayer service: which is a shame.

Over the past weeks?

I’ve caught a series called Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game, a series that offers a potted history of espionage in the 1980s.

It’s very entertaining … and very informative!

~≈Ó≈~

Sunday 19 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th May 2024.

19th May, 2024.


Right then: it’s officially Sunday!

Which means … I’m definitely feeling my age!

But … ?

At least I got the reviews of “Boom” done.

I hope everyone likes my work … 


And had as much fun with the episode as I did!


~≈®≈~

Saturday 18 May 2024

Doctor Who — Series 14/Season 1 - Episode 3 — “Boom” — A Review.

18th May, 2024: an announcement.


It’s officially official.

It’s Saturday: and I’ve had lunch.

A bacon sandwich, if you must know.

And a banana.

I wanted to at least make a nod at having five portions of fruit and vegetables!

We’re supposed to eat healthily: except I never manage to.

Unless you count the occasional kebab as a melon.

At ANY rate?

It’s Saturday afternoon.

And?

I’m going to be catching the third episode of Doctor Who’s new series, today.

And will be posting my review of it, by tomorrow, at the latest.

I’ll see you then!

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th May 2024

18th May, 2024.


Right then … it’s Saturday … 

And … ?

Frankly, the next episode of Doctor Who’s on, tonight.

The Steven Moffat penned episode, “Boom”.

I have to confess: that landmine Ncuti Gatwa’s standing on, looks familiar!


~≈💣≈~

Familiar or otherwise?

I’ll be doing a re view of the episode: which will hopefully go live, tomorrow.

My most recent Star Trek Discovery review?

Went live, yesterday.

I hope it does well!


~≈🗺️≈~

Friday 17 May 2024

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 8 — “Labyrinths” — A Review

*Spoilers*

16th May, 2024: the introduction.


Yes: it’s officially Thursday!

And, frankly?

It’s been quite a day!

I’ve just spent several hours on the phone to Brentwood Council!

Just don’t ask!

At any rate … ?

It’s Thursday: so, once I’ve had dinner?

I’ll be watching “Labyrinths”: the next episode of Star Trek Discovery.

I’ll have it reviewed by tomorrow night!

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th May, 2024.

17th May, 2024.


It’s officially Friday.

And … ?

I’ve had mail.

A couple of months ago, I put in for help with my council tax.

And was asked to hand over a couple of months bank statements: and the relevant Universal Credit records.

Which I duly handed in, by April.

The letter I received, yesterday?

Was a request to submit the same information … again!

I spent a lot of time on the phone, yesterday: asking why on Earth I’d been asked to re-submit information the Council already had … 

Only to be told I’d get a phone call, about it, today.

Personally?

I think the fact a lot of these services are split between Brentwood Council, and Basildon Council … ?

Really doesn’t help!

The only bit of good news in all this … ?

Is the fact I’ve had to double check on when my PIP tribunal will happen: it’s 15:00, on 20th June.

I’m expecting the letter soon: a letter that, hopefully, will confirm it’s by phone.

Here’s hoping!

~≈Œ≈~

Thursday 16 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-5-2024 — Middlesex

16th May, 2024: Middlesex!


It’s officially Thursday!

And yes, we ended up not making a video: but playing silly games.

It’s amazing, the fun you can have on a boys’ night in.


~≈Ω≈~

Apparently?

Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, is to make a speech, today.

In which he’ll announce the party will — in the upcoming election — make six pledges on what he’ll do if Labour win.

It sounds a lot like something Tony Blair did, back in the day.

It’s something that reminded me, then, of Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-four: and still does, today.

At one point, the book’s main character, has to re-write a newspaper article: one that saw a leader make a ‘categorical pledge’ to not do something … only to break that pledge a few months later.

Personally … ?   And as a result of reading the novel?

I can never hear the words ‘pledge’, or ‘categorical pledge’, from the mouth of a politician … without thinking the pledge will be broken, or ignored, the minute the politician get’s into office.

~≈Ω≈~

Wednesday 15 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-2024 — Viva Las Vegas

15th May, 2024: Viva Las Vegas.


Right … it’s now Wednesday … 

And frankly, I’ve caught up with my sleep!

Which is definitively nice.

I’ll see if I can get more sleep … after my nephew goes home.

He’s due to spend the evening, today.

~≈¥≈~

Tuesday 14 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th May, 2024.

14th May, 2024.


Arrrghgh!   It’s Tuesday!

And … ?

I posted a review of “The Devil’s Chord”, last night.


I hope you enjoy it: I was up all night, making that!

~≈®≈~

Monday 13 May 2024

Doctor Who — Series 14/Season 1 - Episode 2 — “The Devil's Chord” — A Review

12th May, 2024: an introduction.


Right … 

It’s now Sunday.

And … ?

I’ve had some sleep.

I was up late, last night, finishing the first of two reviews: of the opening episodes the new series of Doctor Who.

I say new series … as I’m still not sure about calling it series fourteen — it is the fourteenth series of the rebooted version of the show — or the first.

Which is pretty mush what Disney+, who are helping to fund the show, are insisting on.

At any rate?

This weekend saw the airing of the first two episodes of the new series.

You’ve hopefully noticed my reviews of “Space Babies”.


Noticed … and hopefully enjoyed!

With that said?

I’m writing this introduction on Sunday, 12th May, 2024, and will be watching “The Devil’s Chord” tonight, once I’ve had dinner.

I’ll be letting you know what I thought of the episode, late, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then.

~≈🕰️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-5-2024 — Strontium Dog

13th May, 2024: Strontium Dog.


Yes: it’s Monday … and it’s not a bank holiday!

Basically?

That means I’m up early: to get to my weight management group.

Given last Monday was a bank holiday — which meant that week’s meeting was cancelled — I’m curious to see how I’ve done.

~≈†≈~

Sunday 12 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th May, 2024.

12th May, 2024.


La La … Sunday, Sunday … !

If you’ll pardon the paraphrase!

At any rate … ?

I think I need to go back to bed: reviewing “Space Babies” meant a late night!


~≈📺≈~

Saturday 11 May 2024

Doctor Who — Series 14/Season 1 - Episode 1 — “Space Babies” — A Review

11th May, 2024: the introduction.


OK: it’s Saturday afternoon.

And?

There’s two episodes of Dr Who being broadcast on BBC 1, tonight: episodes that are currently available on the BBC’s iPlayer service in the UK.

And on Disney⁺, internationally.

And — as far as I can tell — on several torrent tracking sites as well.

You can’t find those sites with TorBrowser, nor can you use BitTorrent clients like BitTorrent, or Transmission, to find and download them.

That would be naughty.

At any rate?

It’s Saturday afternoon: I’m planing to watch the first episode, “Space Babies”, then post my reviews by tomorrow night.

Then do it all again for episode two — “The Devil’s Chord” — by Tuesday, 14th May.

By the time you read this?

I’ll be knackered!

~≈🕰️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-5-2024 — Eurovision ’24

11th May, 2024: Eurovision.


Right then … it’s Saturday … !

And … ?

In case you’ve not noticed, today is the date for the final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

There’s a couple of points, there.

One … ?

I like the Irish entry: despite thinking Barbie Thug looks like an animated Bratz doll!


Two … ?

I’m not necessarily going to be watching.

I want to concentrate on Doctor Who.

The first two episodes air, tonight: I want to review those!

~≈🤩≈~

Talking of reviews?

I finished my most recent reviews of Star Trek Discovery’s most recent episode.

I hope you enjoy them.


~≈🤩≈~

Friday 10 May 2024

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 7 — “Erigah” — A Review

*Spoilers*

9th May, 2024: an introduction.


Right, then.

It’s officially Thursday.

And frankly?

I can smell the smell of dinner being done!

Yes: I’ve had my blood tests done!

Yes: I’ve posted this morning’s Teaser.

And yes: I’m wondering where I put a lot of old CDs!

I’m just thankful I had some of the missing music on an old computer*!

~≈🖖≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m burbling: not a good thing when potatoes are involved!

I’m going to get off, eat dinner, then watch “Erigah”, the next episode of Star Trek Discovery’s last series.

I’ll see you in the (metaphorical) morning.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th May, 2024.

10th May, 2024.


It’s official: it’s Friday.

And … ?

I have to confess: I’m feeling somewhat saddened.

Back in the day, I worked at a local pub, called the Essex Arms.

One that — even to this day — is noted for live music.

When I worked there?

The place had a lot of very good bands play: including the legendary Wilko Johnson.

And the equally legendary Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts: the only band — during my time there — to cause a stage invasion.

That was an evening!

One of the others?   Was Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation.

Nicky, formerly of Samson?   Was one hell of a singer: and had the white blues voice.

I say ‘was’, as I looked him and the band up, last night: after realising I’d not transferred over a couple of his LPs to my new Mac*.

I was devastated to find he’d died of Parkinson’s Disease in August, 2022.

I’m saddened, devastated and lord knows what else: I can only imagine how his family are feeling, even now.

The man was a talent.


~≈🪦≈~

Thursday 9 May 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th May, 2024.

9th May, 2024.


Right … I am up, early … !

No: my weight management classes haven’t switched to Thursdays.

No: I’ve got blood tests at Brentwood’s one hospital.

I’ve an official diabetic review in June: so this test will let my GP have the most recent results.

~≈🧁≈~

All this … ?

The day I had my nephew over!

Videos were made … and fun had.



And, yes, before you ask … Jude has beaten my high score.

Several times!

~≈🎮≈~